Lovely To Look At

In the landscape of early 1950s Hollywood, movie directors and writers brought the magic of the Broadway stage to the silver screen. "Lovely to Look At," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical produced in Technicolor, is one such example of this unique fusion, a romantic comedy extravaganza featuring the glowing luminosity of stars Kathryn Grayson, Red Skelton, and Howard Keel.

The film incorporates elements of romance, comedy, music and dance together to create a captivating narrative that leaves the viewer swooning and entranced. Set largely within the fantastical world of the fashion industry, "Lovely to Look At" presents an engaging tale of love, ambition and the power of believing in dreams.

Kathryn Grayson, known for her opera-trained voice and ethereal beauty, plays an essential role as the romantic lead. Her character carries a sense of grace and poise, combined with a subtle strength often seen in the heroines of the era. Grayson’s on-screen charisma is balanced wonderfully by the ruggedly charming character played by Howard Keel. Keel, armed with his booming opera-tuned voice, manages to flawlessly win the hearts of his audience while navigating the complexities of his relationship with Grayson's character.

The humor is delivered through the comedic genius of Red Skelton, an actor well-known for his exceptional comedic timing and mannerisms. Skelton’s inherently humorous persona enables him to transform even the most routine scenes into laughter inducing moments. The superior writing in the screenplay, combined with Skelton’s brilliant acting, make for a delightful and hilarious experience.

However, the charisma and chemistry of Grayson, Keel, and Skelton isn't the crowning allure of this captivating film. That honor is rightfully owned by the incredible musical numbers and spectacular dance sequences that make "Lovely to Look At" a true cinematic gem. With music by Jerome Kern, the legendary Broadway composer, and the brilliant choreography, you're invited to journey through the stunning world of classic Hollywood musicals social gatherings and dazzling charity balls that showcase a mesmerizing flurry of waltz and ballroom dance sequences.

What makes the film all the more intriguing is its setting in the world of haute couture. The character's efforts to save a Parisian fashion house from bankruptcy incorporate an aesthetic wonder, presenting the viewers with vibrant and diverse set designs, intricate costumes, and a palpable sense of high-fashion glamour. It was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Costume Design in a Color film, attesting to the level of detail and commitment poured into the visuals.

Director Mervyn LeRoy, with his acute understanding of creating compelling cinematic stories, manages to hold the audience's attention throughout the film. He successfully allows us to immerse ourselves in this melodious tale of love and ambition, featuring grandeur, comedy and a captivating storyline. The screenplay by Harry Ruby, George Wells, and Andrew Solt, captures the vivacity and spectacle of Broadway, delivering a compelling slice of musical theatre to the screens.

While "Lovely to Look At" is essentially a romantic musical comedy, it remains more than just that. The movie provides a distinctive view into the postwar elegance of the early 1950s, a time of profound cultural and social changes. The vivacious performances, detailed direction, along with colorful sets, ornate costumes, compelling storyline, and the unforgettably vivacious soundtrack, all served up in sumptuous Technicolor, make this film a proof of the grandeur of classic Hollywood musicals.

You'll find a movie like "Lovely to Look At" is more than just a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. It's also a trip down memory lane, a chance to revisit (or discover for the first time) a golden age of Hollywood. It remains a glittering testament to the power of cinema, a glorious mix of humor, music, dance, and romance, a moving carousel of joy that evokes nostalgia and fascination, making it indeed, quite lovely to look at.